Feds select former B.C. chief electoral officer to oversee foreign influence registry

OTTAWA — The Liberal government has chosen Anton Boegman, a former chief electoral officer of British Columbia, to administer the planned federal foreign influence transparency registry.

Boegman’s proposed appointment is subject to approval by resolution of the House of Commons and Senate following consultation with opposition parties and Senate leaders.

Simon Lafortune, a spokesman for Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree, says the government will not comment further as the consultation process unfolds.

The planned registry was set out in legislation passed in 2024 as part of a package of measures to counter foreign interference.

Ottawa says the registry is needed because countries engaging in meddling to advance political goals might employ people to act on their behalf without disclosing those ties.

If confirmed as commissioner, Boegman would administer the registration scheme, which is to be enforced through notices, monetary fines and, in the most serious cases, criminal penalties.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 28, 2026.

Jim Bronskill, The Canadian Press